A/N: Hey, come on, guys! Why aren't you guys reading this fic!? I put a lot of thought and time into it... (eyes watering)

Banjo: Aw, you all are making her cry...

(bursts into tears, Banjo hugs and comforts her)

Kazooie: Right, then. You guys read this chappie and review or she'll be all sad like this for a while...


"Muo kxo Jfahakj Wiato Ij."

"May the Spirits Guide Us."

-Ancient Amethystian Adage


The Amethyst Shamans: Chapter 2: The Priestess of Amethystar

Amethystar was one of the only pure islands left in the world. An ancient, mystical tribe who called themselves Amethystians made their home on this peaceful island. The Amethystians were a clan of bears with the ability to harness the mystical powers of ancient spirits. They lived solitude, gentle and non-confrontational. Their entire lifestyle was based on the teachings of the Ancient Spirits of the Moon.

Each family lived in small, wooden huts, with tiny windows to allow the fresh, spring air inside to calm their souls. But from the largest, most delicately carved hut, lavender smoke poured out of the windows.

Inside this particular hut, a beautiful, female Amethystian sat cross-legged in meditation, flanked by several burning incense. She had a youthful face, with smooth, peachy skin and chestnut brown fur. Short, hazelnut hair curved up at her shoulders, with small bangs drooping over her golden crown with a purple gem embedded within. She wore a purple and orange, leather, midriff top tied loosely in the middle. A gold plated belt studded with deep-colored jewels hung at her waist with blue flaps of leather hanging at the front and back. A sheath for her dagger was strapped around her upper leg, and she currently held the dagger in one of her elegant paws. Her tiny, delicate feet wore simple, lavender sandals, and she was decorated with more golden and purple jewelry. She was the priestess and leading shaman of the Amethystian Clan, deep in one of her many meditations. Not a lot could break her out if it when she was deep enough.

-Kyra... Kyra, awaken!-

Except for a spirit-call.

Eyes of shining sapphires gently opened as she turned to meet an elder Amethystian, wearing long robes and old age written clearly on his face and in his long, silver hair.

"Yes, Father?" she answered the call in a voice as sweet as the scent from the incense.

"Your presence is requested in another land, dear cub," the Elder responded, handing her an envelope with a shaky, arthritic paw. "Nothing else is given but the location, but I have a deep feeling you shall be gone for a time, so take any provisions you may need."

Kyra looked at the letter in an unsettling fashion, but ever respecting of her father, she nodded and stood, beginning to gather her things. As he silently left her alone, she looked once more at the letter, deeply disturbed by the name of the location she had to travel to.

Cauldron Keep, Isle o' Hags.

----------

After farewells from her beloved tribe, which she loved like a family, Kyra departed in a small boat northwards, carried by the southern winds. As the days passed through, Kyra remembered the last words spoken to her from her father:

"Do not be afraid of the unknown, my cub. Remember that the spirits are always there to guide you, even at times when you feel alone."

Reminding herself of these words of wisdom, she arrived at Isle o' Hags and followed the directions given in the letter, eventually reaching Cauldron Keep. The toxic fumes given off by the corrosive moat and spirits knew what else nearly choked her sensitive throat, but the drawbridge was open, waiting for her. So she cautiously stepped inside.

Inside this tower, strange contraptions and lights that Kyra could not comprehend surrounded her everywhere, unsettling her even more. When she reached the top room, she found an old, ugly witch with her humped back towards the priestess, glancing into what looked like a black kettle. Hearing the clacking of her sandals on the polished glass floor, the hag turned away from the pot and gave Kyra a grin that made her very afraid.

"..." Kyra found it difficult to speak. "...Y-you are the one who summoned me...?"

The witch chuckled deeply. "Yes, indeed! I have a deal to make with you, little lady, so you pay attention!"

Whatever it was, it was bad news. Kyra could feel it. But she nodded nonetheless. "Go on."

"Alright, c'mere," she urged, and Kyra stepped up to the pot's edge. "Look inside."

Kyra peered into the icky slime and saw the innocent scene of a family made up of two bears and a crimson bird, enjoying a morning in the sun.

"You see the older bear? The one in the yellow shorts?"

Kyra nodded slowly, looking closely at his faded image.

"He's been making a mess of my plans all the time, and I need to somehow get rid of him! The problem is, I haven't a clue what his weaknesses are!" The witch smirked at the girl. "That's where you come in."

Kyra looked up apprehensively at the witch.

"I need you to go to his side and learn his weaknesses, every one of them! I don't care how long it takes you, just do it!"

Kyra looked back into the cauldron at the older bear as he caught the younger one in a tight, loving embrace. He seemed so innocent... so kind...

Mustering up her courage, she responded, "And if I don't?"

The witch's eyes narrowed slightly out of spite, but remained calm as she approached a table holding more strange machines, and lifted one that looked like a thin blaster up, almost threateningly.

"These little babies are what I like to call my little B.R.Y.A.N.s. They have the power to reap anything of its youth and beauty, all that I intent to use in the beautification of yours truly. I have created enough for my entire army of minions, so if you choose not to cooperate..." She kicked the cauldron, and the image of Amethystar appeared. "...Then you can kiss your precious island goodbye!"

Kyra's eyes widened as her skin went pale. "You wouldn't...!"

That smirk on the witch's face only grew. "Oh, but I would! Cooperate, and I'll leave Amethystar alone! Do I make myself absolutely clear?"

Kyra lowered her gaze in defeat and despair, nodding reluctantly. "Fine... y-you've won..."

"Very well!" She put the B.R.Y.A.N. back down on the table, delighted by the agreement. "I'll set up your 'dramatic entrance...'" she drawled slyly, snickering as she left for her private chambers.

Kyra deeply sighed, looking back into the kettle at her blessed homeland. It was her duty to protect her home... no matter what...

A/N: You guys like Kyra?

Kazooie: Eh... so-so...

Banjo: (is drooling)...

Banjo, you weirdo! (slaps him) Anyhoo, I got a little game for you few readers out there! Now, like in Banjo-Tooie, where B.O.B. stood for "Big o' Blaster," B.R.Y.A.N. also stands for something related to its purpose. If you guys can guess what it stands for, I'll... I'll...um...

Kazooie: She'll give you a cookie!

Yeah... uh... well, a burnt one, anyway. I can't cook to save my life, so...

Banjo: In that case, she'll just mention you in one of the future chappies.

Yeah, that's it! That's what I'll do! So review, all you dudes and dudettes out there! Please!!!!!